Loads to celebrate in Japan

The best parties are the ones you don't want to end - and that was the experience for thousands of fans, not to mention many of the drivers and teams, at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.

It had been an emotional occasion as the country staged its first F1 race since the devastating tsunami and earthquake struck Fukushima on March 11. Japan's dignified response to the tragedy won the admiration of the world and was illustrated again with a heart-tugging rendition of Kimigayo, the national anthem, by a girls choir from the stricken prefecture.

Local hero Kamui Kobayashi had already done his part by paying the choir's travel expenses and then enthralling the crowd with a season-best seventh in qualifying. A poor start and difficult race subsequently saw the Sauber driver finish 13th.